Navigating change holistically
Change, a constant in life, often divides people into two camps: those who welcome it and those who resist it. This division manifests in various aspects of life, from workplace dynamics to personal relationships and beyond. But what drives this contrasting perception of change among individuals?
Embracing change for personal growth
If you contemplate life, you’ll see that nothing — except birth and death — is permanent. Quite the opposite, in fact. Life is a journey marked by constant evolution and transformation. Understanding that change is an inherent part of this journey is pivotal for personal growth. Challenges, though daunting, serve as opportunities for self-discovery and improvement.
When we understand that life is a means to experience ourselves and a chance to evolve for our soul, everything that happens to us is a lesson. Life requires adapting, learning new skills, and never sitting still.
For those who embrace change, every obstacle is viewed as a stepping stone toward becoming their best selves. They feel the adrenaline. While this mindset isn’t always easy to adopt, it fosters trust in the journey and belief in one’s ability to navigate through uncertainty. Pro-changers trust life, the Universe, or whatever force they consider above themselves.
Conversely, those who resist change often harbour fear of the unknown and doubt their capacity to adapt. Comfort zones, while providing a sense of security, can hinder progress and personal development. Overcoming this resistance requires a shift in perspective and a willingness to explore new possibilities. Contrary to pro-changers, who have faith in themselves and what the future holds, anti-changers need reassurance of safety.
So, yes… the comfort zone
It’s human to tend to safety and stability and to be surrounded by the known. The part of our brain in charge of this is the amygdala, and it works to keep us safe. This structure tends to rely on the known strategies that once worked. What has worked before has become a habit that requires less energy from us as it becomes more and more automatic.
Nothing will require more energy from us than change. Creating a solution to a new problem requires new brain cell connections, which consume much of our power.
The brain itself already consumes 20% of it. So, for any habit to change, picture the mental and emotional effort involved and any physical change or adaptation. Think of the resistance there could be for any change to happen. All this requires energy.
This is why it is said that it takes 28 days to change a habit and 90 days to consolidate it. The mind and the body need to adapt to this new normal.
Understanding Resistance and Resilience in Change
“To what you resist, it persists”.
Resistance is the inability to adapt to change, contrary to resilience. When we become resilient, we learn what we need to change, act, and go with the flow. This process allows us to seize more opportunities in life because we are more open to whatever may come.
When you resist, life becomes more challenging and wears you out. A massive amount of energy is involved in holding onto what perhaps no longer serves. In resilience, we take every experience as a learning opportunity. Better options might pop up that we had never thought of, and we are ready to explore them. This certainly doesn’t happen when we resist. We want things our way, and most of the time, we miss incredible opportunities — and why not beautiful connections with other people?
As the quote says, resistance likely does not solve the problem. It only makes it more complex and takes longer to solve. Change will always be a chance to grow, and resilience is how to embrace it.
Managing Change Effectively
To navigate change successfully, consider seeking support through various avenues:
1. Psychotherapy: delve into deeper issues surrounding change with the guidance of a therapist.
2. Life Coaching and Stress Management Coaching: equip yourself with tools and strategies to navigate life’s transitions more effectively.
3. Mindfulness practices: cultivate awareness and a higher perspective through meditation and self-reflection.
4. Alternative methods: explore holistic approaches like Bach Flowers to support your transformation journey.
I'd love to know how you usually perceive change and how you face it. Are you a pro-change? Does it make you resist it? What other ways of change management have you tried? Let me know!
If you're ready to break free from stagnation and embrace change, I'm here to help. Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to start your empowering journey today.
